Who We Are

Human Support Services (HSS), a non-profit, tax-exempt organization, was founded in 1973 to provide a local source of mental health services in Monroe County, Illinois. Since that time, we have expanded to additionally serve individuals with developmental disabilities and substance use needs.

HSS is now the major provider of behavioral healthcare services in Monroe County. Current services include:

A full range of outpatient mental health services

An affordable housing program for persons with disabilities

A day and work services program for persons needing assistance in acquiring vocational and independent living skills and experience

DUI/DWI services and prevention services

All services are provided on a non-discriminatory basis with disregard for race, color, creed, sex, national origin or handicapping condition. Services are provided on a sliding-fee scale to ensure that we are able to provide residents of Monroe County with effective, cost-efficient services aimed at helping individuals challenged by mental health concerns, developmental disabilities or substance abuse build satisfying lives despite the difficulties they face.

Our goals are to change lives for the better, provide encouragement for the future and support individuals in their efforts toward recovery and integration within the community.

Mission Statement

Helping all people live their best lives.

Vision Statement

We envision a community in which all abilities are embraced and everyone is encouraged to pursue their greatest potential.

Agency History

Our private, non-profit agency first opened its doors in 1973, staffed with a part-time medical director, one counselor and a secretary. Initial efforts were to provide support to individuals facing mental health needs. Early success in meeting these needs and growing acceptance from the community led us to quickly begin serving those with developmental disabilities and substance abuse issues to our mission in 1975 and 1979 respectively. We found that Human Support Services filled a gap in Monroe County’s health care services network for people with disabilities, responding to the community’s desire that individuals with mental health needs, developmental disabilities and substance abuse problems are supported and assisted.

Since those early days there have been a number of other significant milestones, including:

1973, James E. Poschel was named the first Executive Director and the agency opened its doors in the “Old Milk Company Building”, with its Illinois Articles of Incorporation and a community counseling program staffed by a part-time medical director, one counselor and a secretary.

1978, Monroe County passed the Community Mental Health Funding Act, establishing the Mental Health Board and providing a source of local tax support

1979, the Sheltered Workshop Program began by merging with the county’s Developmental Disabilities Program

1981, the Mental Health Endowment Foundation was founded, it went on to be renamed the Human Support Services Foundation years later

1985, United Way funding began

1985, the DUI Program was established

1987, the agency was first accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)

1988, Community Support Network (CSN) was started to add Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILA) for developmentally disabled adults.

1989, the agency moved into its new center at 988 North Illinois Route 3, Waterloo IL

1995, the Supportive Employment Program was established

1996, the agency’s first residential apartment building was built, building #1

1997, the agency’s next two apartment buildings were added, buildings #2 and 3

1997, the agency was first accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA)

1997, first Thanksgiving lunch for clients and families

2000, apartment building #4 was added, as was the Psychosocial Rehabilitation Program

2001, we built a new Sheltered Workshop and renovated the Day Services space.

Leadership Team

We are proud of our efforts to provide area individuals and families with mental, developmental disabilities and substance abuse services. We continually strive to meet the needs of our community. Please let us know how we can help you or your family.

Anne King – Executive Director

Susan L. Harbaugh – Chief Financial Officer

Craig Laskowski – Chief Program Officer

Trisha Hoagland – Human Resources Director

Todd D. Krebel – Facilities & Vehicles Manager

Board of Directors

President
Bonnie Kuergeleis

Vice President
Stanley Darter

Secretary
Margaret Ryan-DeBonis

Treasurer
Christine L. Campo

Executive Member at Large
Robert Polansky

Kathy Asselmeier

Rev Thelma Burgonio-Watson

Kathleen Collmeyer

Janice Sue Crawford

Jennifer Fischer Eastep

Douglas Garmer

William Groennert

Ericha Johanning

Vicki Koerber

Michael Schneider

Past Board Presidents

Human Support Services was founded by a group of dedicated individuals who wanted Monroe County residents to have local access to mental health and related services. Over the years, hundreds of local residents have supported the agency as board members. The following men and women have lent their names as board presidents: